2 December 2019, Flinders University
In recent years, the far right has become a resurgent force across the globe, resulting in populist parties securing electoral victories, political groups marching on the streets and acts of right-wing terrorism. However this is not merely a recent phenomenon, with Australia and New Zealand both having a long history of fascist and far right groups and individuals. These groups have attempted to situate themselves within the wider settler colonial political landscape, often portraying themselves as the inheritors of a violent and exclusionary colonial past. At the same time, there has often been resistance to fascism and the far right in both countries. In the face of a resurgent far right, those involved in anti-fascist and anti-racist activities should be aware of previous actions. This symposium will bring together histories of fascism and anti-fascism (broadly interpreted) in Australia and New Zealand from the 1920s to the present, with an eye to the contemporary period. Scholars and activists are both encouraged to present at this symposium, as well as PhD, early career and established researchers. The intention is to publish a selection of the papers presented at the symposium as an edited collection or special issue of a journal.
Abstracts due 31 July 2019